The Call of Duty Black Ops 6 test marks the 21st release in the Call of Duty series since its inception in 2003. Over two decades, the franchise has included multiple sub-franchises managed by different studios and distinct series launches, such as World War II, Vietnam War, Modern Warfare. Despite varying outcomes, each new installment is met with tens of millions of copies sold annually. Among these, Black Ops remains the most profitable series. However, in recent years, the quality of the license has noticeably declined, particularly evident in last year’s Modern Warfare 3, which was widely regarded as one of the most rushed releases. The game faced justified criticism from both media and players. Nonetheless, it did not deter studio Treyarch from making a strong comeback. Indeed, Black Ops 6 stands out as the most successful installment in quite some time, and we aim to explain why.
KALOF IS CAMPAIGNING
First of all, quite surprising or unexpected, is the longevity of this solo experience. In short, you’ll need at least 10 hours to complete this campaign, which contrasts sharply with previous Kalof campaigns that typically last between 4 to 5 hours. To achieve this, Treyarch has provided a different structure while maintaining what makes a good Call of Duty campaign: grand spectacle, intense moments, and the blockbuster Michael Bay style where everything explodes. You’ll experience these moments reminiscent of classic American action movies, but primarily, you will remember this campaign for its desire to vary the experience and surprise players.
Another aspect that Treyarch has masterfully handled in this solo campaign is the pacing. It alternates between corridor-style levels reminiscent of classic Call of Duty, with a very explosive edge, to more open missions requiring navigation, searching, and exploration. This is particularly evident in a desert level in Iraq where one must locate and neutralize SCUD missiles, heavily guarded by soldiers. Players drive a jeep across the map not only because it’s large enough to make foot travel challenging but also due to its varied terrain. There is endless sand, but also hidden barracks nestled in mountains. Between SCUD launchers to destroy, players must also provide aid to fallen comrades. Not everything is chained together; players must return to their base to recharge before resuming missions. Players must also be mindful of their vehicle, which can explode if neglected. This formula builds upon what the last two Call of Duty games attempted in solo mode but does so with enthusiasm rather than half-heartedly.
“I WANT TO BELIEVE”
In the effort to differentiate itself and introduce novel elements, the Black Ops 6 campaign incorporates fantastical components, including zombies in single-player mode. How is this feasible? We will not reveal the plot specifics, but we found this concept intriguing despite its seeming departure from the norm; it integrates seamlessly into the storyline. This fantasy segment is especially noteworthy as it introduces boss battles within the game, featuring exactly four unique bosses with distinctive appearances and behaviors. The inclusion of a grappling hook enhances gameplay dynamics. It offers an enjoyable experience, particularly when the speed of zombies is leveraged at certain points to create suspense for players. While not everyone may embrace this approach, I personally found it appealing.
Call of Duty Black Ops introduces more variety and a better-controlled pace, opting for a less intrusive interface than its predecessors. The game no longer aggressively guides the player toward the next objective, sometimes leading to slight confusion. Indeed, Call of Duty refrains from holding players’ hands at certain points, which is quite refreshing. The AI has become more challenging, with enemies that are more resilient and coordinate their actions, although often following a script. However, it’s clear that there are significant changes, particularly an increase in difficulty that discourages reckless charging into battle. Furthermore, the game offers players the option to complete missions at their own pace, and all collected items during missions impact character progression, enhancing effectiveness on the battlefield.
Using it is incredibly exhilarating, especially in multiplayer, where one can perform incredible acrobatics and escape situations that were previously impossible. As for the story, Treyarch understands the appreciation for Black Ops characters, and bringing back Frank Woods, even in a wheelchair, makes an impact. However, Russell Adler has become the true new figure, with his roguish charisma and unpredictable nature, capable of flipping allegiances at any moment. There are no American tours to bring down with planes; the rumors were incorrect on this point. Although the in-flight mission is among the most enjoyable moments of the game, it is indeed quite thrilling. Enjoy at your leisure.
MULTIPLE PLEASURES
It is now time to transition to multiplayer mode, which we have also tested for three days. As with every Call of Duty release, multiplayer will continue to evolve significantly. My final game rating encompasses all available multiplayer modes. Players can expect familiar modes from previous Call of Duty games, including the popular Zombies mode and classic multiplayer options such as Team Deathmatch, Search and Destroy, Headquarters, Kill Confirmed, Battle Royale, Hardpoint, Firefight, among others, with the added feature to disable killstreaks. The developers clearly aim to cater to a wide range of player preferences without causing frustration. As usual, the variety is comprehensive, and with new maps, players will have ample opportunities to enjoy the game once again.
The major multiplayer addition in this Black Ops 6 is the “Execution Order” mode, which is a 6v6 Team Deathmatch where one player is designated as the priority target. Eliminating this high-value target yields double points for the team. As the priority target, players receive advantages such as sonar for scanning surroundings and multiple armor plates to withstand more bullets. However, being marked on the map constantly poses a risk. Despite this drawback, the mode significantly alters gameplay dynamics, turning one team into an escort unit tasked with protecting their high-value player while simultaneously engaging in combat against the opposing team. This mode is undeniably popular and likely to remain one of the best in the game for some time.
“It Was Better Before”
The Zombie mode has received special attention, aiming to return to its origins as requested by the community. Unlike the Battle Royale mode, which no longer features missions to complete, the focus is on eliminating waves while striving for survival with your squad as long as possible. Each game is unique, with players losing everything when eaten by zombies, but the idea of Augmentation Search encourages pushing further, tracked via distributors. These augmentations enhance survival against zombie and vermin invasions; at launch, there are only 2 maps: Liberty Falls, a Virginia town, and Terminus, a penitentiary island with a large laboratory.
